PhD Candidate in AI Governance: Researchers’ Role, Accountability, and Access
Explore legal frameworks enabling independent researchers to audit AI systems and platforms while safeguarding academic freedom.
Best for:Best for legal scholars, social scientists, or interdisciplinary researchers with expertise in digital governance, qualitative research methods, and a passion for policy impact.
Overview
This doctoral position at the University of Amsterdam’s Institute for Information Law (IViR) investigates how researchers can contribute to AI governance under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and AI Act. The project examines legal exemptions, safeguards, and policy processes needed to empower researchers to generate evidence for regulatory learning—without compromising academic freedom or legality. The candidate will combine doctrinal analysis, normative research, and participatory methods, including interviews with academics, policymakers, and civil society. The PhD is embedded in the MSCA-funded **REGULAIRE** network, offering interdisciplinary training, secondments, and collaboration with regulators and civil society organisations.
What you'll do
- Develop and refine research questions with the supervision team, ensuring alignment with the REGULAIRE network’s objectives.
- Conduct doctrinal, normative, and comparative legal research on researcher exemptions under the DSA and AI Act.
- Design and execute qualitative research (interviews, participatory workshops) with academics, policymakers, and civil society stakeholders.
- Analyse research data using approved methods and produce evaluative analyses of exemption scope and policy proposals.
- Participate in three residential summer schools, monthly paper development seminars, and network-wide training (20+ ECTS).
- Complete a three-month intersectoral secondment at EDMO (European Digital Media Observatory) in Florence, Italy.
- Contribute to the DSA Observatory, AI Media & Democracy Lab, and Amsterdam Law School’s Sectorplan initiative.
- Assist in teaching undergraduate and master’s students, and organise workshops or lectures (experience a plus).
- Adhere to open-science, FAIR data, and research integrity practices.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in law, political science, media/communication studies, or related interdisciplinary fields (e.g., social sciences, humanities).
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (if applicable).
Instruction: English
- Demonstrable interest in the intersection of law and digital technologies (AI, platforms, governance).
- Proficiency in qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, participatory design).
- Excellent written and spoken English (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).
- Willingness to engage in international mobility (secondments, network activities).
- Fulfilment of MSCA eligibility criteria (e.g., mobility rule: not having resided in the Netherlands for >12 months in the last 3 years).
- MSCA mobility rule: not having resided in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
- No upper age limit (MSCA standard).
- No nationality restrictions (MSCA open to all eligible candidates).
- Completion of a Master’s degree (or equivalent) by the start date.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-02
Submit a single PDF via the UvA’s online application portal including: (1) a 1-page letter of motivation, (2) a 2-page CV, (3) a 20-page writing sample (e.g., Master’s thesis chapter), and (4) contact details for two referees (including thesis supervisor). Applications must be in English and comply with font/spacing requirements.
- Cover letter (max 1 page, 12pt font, single-spaced)
- Full academic CV (max 2 pages, 12pt font, single-spaced)
- Writing sample (e.g., Master’s thesis chapter, max 20 pages)
- Names and contact details of two referees (including thesis supervisor)
Contact
Natali Helberger· Primary Supervisor
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